Our fragile ecosystem and environment in grave danger have compelled us to adopt “go green” as our motto. Pollution levels are reaching alarming levels, and fuel resources are fast depleting, making us sit and take some serious steps to control the situation. It is for this reason fuel users and car manufacturers are looking for alternate fuel sources.
A Paradigm Shift in Fuel Sources
The time has come to look for a proper solution to the diverse environmental issues, and hybrid and electrical vehicles seem to be the right choice as it is environment-friendly. Moreover, such cars are cheaper than standard cars. Since electric and hybrid vehicles run on alternative power sources that are generated by a combo of battery-operated electric motor and gasoline engine, these are less harmful to the delicate environment. It is significant to note here that dual purposes are served by gasoline. It not only works by propelling the car but also keeps the batteries charged. The batteries get charged even when brakes are applied. In the case of electric cars, they need to be plugged in to charge.
Reconditioned Hybrid Car Batteries
The most commonly used and preferred hybrid batteries are Nickel-Metal hydride also referred to as Ni-MH batteries. These batteries are individual cells that come cohesively packed together. The regular battery sizes available are C and D. C, or F is also possible to an extent. A pack of 20 cells with 1.2 Volts each cell gives a 24-Volt powered battery. Available at a very reasonable price, these batteries offer higher energy density as compared with lead-acid batteries. The only downside is that it has a higher self-discharge rate if not used for some time, getting depleted of charge. As a result, the battery life gets hampered by quick, repeated bursts of power. Instead of replacing car batteries, it is better to go for reconditioned hybrid car batteries. Such batteries get extended life and work for a longer time. Moreover, battery reconditioning is far cheaper than battery replacement.
With lowering of repairing cost of hybrid batteries, repairing of batteries has also come into vogue. It turns out to be a cost-effective solution and more reliable than total replacement option. When the car doesn’t start after leaving it unused for some days, you need to put it on a trickle charger immediately. It will take a few days to complete the charge. Since hybrid cars work at a very high voltage, it is better to avoid repairing the battery on your own. Instead, rely on an experienced mechanic who is a certified technician for the job. This battery reconditioning will improve battery performance by 95 percent. While reconditioning is going on, the technician will remove the NiMH battery from the car and check the battery condition. The data thus accumulated will be analyzed and diagnosis. The results of the analysis will help to decide to expose the battery to a controlled session of charging and discharging that will result in increasing the power of the battery.
Factors that Impact Hybrid Battery Life
Usually, hybrid battery life is as long as the car, but in some particular circumstances, it may require a change or repair work. Before deciding to replace the battery, try getting it repaired. Following are some of the factors that may affect the performance of hybrid batteries.
- The Number of Discharge Cycles and Charge
- Battery Chemistry
- Extreme Temperatures
If the car engine continuously runs without switching to the electric motor, it results in a drastic drop in fuel economy. It is a clear indication of battery demanding repair work of hybrid battery replacement.
When to go for Hybrid Battery Replacement?
You need to be sure about going forward with a hybrid battery replacement and the following problems will help you take a well-informed decision.
- Reverse charging
- Severe Overcharging
- Shorting for a long time
In case, the fault lies in an individual cell; it will require being replaced with a new one. A new battery requiring replacement due to malfunctioning will not reduce the lifecycle of the whole pack or its capacity, but in case of an old battery, it may hold. It is always better to replace all cells in an old pack and never mixing new and old cells.
